Coast Guard rescues seven people from the Gulf of Mexico

Jun 15th, 2008 · Comments Off on Coast Guard rescues seven people from the Gulf of Mexico

HOUSTON – The Coast Guard rescued seven people, including two children 23 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas, early this morning.

A watchstander at Sector Houston-Galveston was notified at 8:02 a.m. from the Houston-Galveston Vessel Traffic Service who reported a mayday call from a 20-foot pleasure craft. The mayday call stated the 20-foot pleasure craft was sinking and all seven passengers were in the water. The New Buckaneer, an offshore supply ship heard the mayday call and radioed it in to Houston-Galveston VTS.

Station Galveston dispatched a 47-foot rescue boat crew and Air Station Houston launched an HH-65C rescue helicopter crew. The rescue boat crew arrived on-scene, and found the seven people had taken shelter on a high island rig. The rescue boat crew safely transported all seven people onboard.

Station Galveston boat crewmembers dewatered the boat and are currently towing it back to Station Galveston.

The seven people rescued were reported to be in good condition and all were wearing life jackets at the time of the rescue.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to:

* wear Coast Guard approved life jackets
* carry a VHF radio – these radios allow for any boater in your vicinity to hear your call and the signal can be easily traced by the Coast Guard.
* be aware of weather and water conditions
* never boat or paddle alone
* file a float plan to let others know where you are going, and make sure they know what to do and who to call in case of an emergency.
* be constantly aware of other vessels in the immediate area
* be cautious – do not exceed your ability to handle your vessel